Jonna James

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and left for college in New Mexico when I was 18… It was love at first sight; I was home! It is that love that inspires me to represent the Southwest in my painting, but not in a traditional way. It is the wildlife, the southwestern symbols, and the mystical images which, to me, are representative of these cultures and the many ethnicities that are New Mexico. I love the vibrant saturated colors in this part of the Country. Before permanently settling in New Mexico, I spent my career as a Graphic illustrator and Landscape designer, teaching at the Oklahoma City campus of Oklahoma State University. Because of that, my paintings convey a strong sense of design. I use vibrant colors, combined with graphic elements, and complex patterns. I believe my purpose as an artist is to enrich, bring joy, comfort, and happiness, and perhaps, spark a lovely memory, imagination, or creativity. Painting has allowed me to express my passion for color, detail, and creativity – Inspired by my life in the Southwest. I like to refer to my art style as “sophisticated whimsy.” It is my sincere wish to bring a sense of joy and happiness to the observer, because that’s exactly what I am feeling when I create them, perhaps a touch of “Southwestern Magic!”

Jonna comes from a family of artists, and like her family, she has always been involved in the arts in various forms. She attended California College of Arts in Berkeley, CA, and finished her Bachelor of Arts in Art and Theater in New Mexico. She spent her career as a Graphic Illustrator and Landscape Designer. Jonna’s commissioned works include the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion, various public parks and public spaces, architectural and landscape renderings, logos, and numerous pieces for private collections. Her award-winning art conveys a strong sense of design, using vibrant colors, combined with graphic elements and complex patterns. Jonna’s intricate style is creative, imaginative, and original. Painting has allowed her to express a passion for color, detail, creativity, and a sense of humor and whimsy. She hopes her work brings you the sense of happiness and fun that she feels creating them! Jonna’s work can be found through her website. Cards, prints, giclees, and gift products can be found at ScoJo’s Gift Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jezebel’s Gallery in Madrid, New Mexico, and Range Cafes in Albuquerque and Bernalillo, New Mexico. In the Spring of 2024, Enesco Corporation released a line of suncatchers and wind chimes nationwide. Additionally, Love You More Needlepoint, is now selling needlepoint canvases created from paintings by Jonna. Also of note, Jonna was named a 2021-2022 Who’s Who in America recipient.

2-D, Painting (all materials)